Hi I'm new to the forum but have been lurking recently as I'm looking to get replace my 2004 330CI w/ 40k mi. Next year I am turning 30 and expecting my first child so I feel the need to get a new "toy." The 1.9% rate through the end of the year has me very interested in both the 2009 335i coupe and convertible, but I really didn't want to fire up a new car until early spring since it makes little sense to break one in as we approach the winter months in Chicago. My guess is though, if I order a new vehicle, it could take a few months to arrive, which would be ideal. How long does it generally take to get an order fulfilled and does anyone have any info regarding the interest rate deals and if they will persist into 2009?

Now, after exhausting the internet with 3 series searches, I stumbled upon a used 2008 335i with 10,000 miles at a dealer (clean history) that has basically everything I wanted in a new 335i coupe. (ie, sport pkg, premium pkg, nav, ca, ipod, logic 7, paddles) The exterior and interior colors aren't my first choice, but are certainly not a dealbreaker for me so I'm now very interested, but would like some advice. They are asking 43k, which is basically what kbb.com values it as well. Assuming it is in pristine condition, where should an offer be considering the conditions we are in these days. I really would like a new car, but would be willing to go this route if the deal is just too good to be true. Can you help me determine what price that might be?

Is it BMW CPO'd??? That would give you up to a 100k along with 2 year bumper to bumper warranty. $43 is a lil high IMO. With the CPO it should be at leat $40-$41k. With the balance of factory warranty upper $30's. Anyone else agree different please chime in.

best bet is to find ads for similar cars in your area and use that make an opening bid or you could open with an offer below the dealer trade in value on kbb

definitely negotiate hard, because car dealers are not doing very well in general these days

lastly, you might be better off getting a new car with fewer options and doing european delivery.. something about a used car with 10k miles just feels sketchy to me. IMHO, it is either a buy back with a lot of issues, a car owned by a fickle/non caring owner, or a demo. all bad, all good reasons why the car had 10k very hard miles. i'm sure others have their own different opinions about used/CPO cars, so YMMV

Next year I am turning 30 and expecting my first child so I feel the need to get a new "toy." The 1.9% rate through the end of the year has me very interested in both the 2009 335i coupe and convertible, but I really didn't want to fire up a new car until early spring since it makes little sense to break one in as we approach the winter months in Chicago.

Congratulations on your pending birthday and baby.

Calling a new car a "toy" and your interest in the financing your purchase would indicate that this is really a discretionary "want" rather than a "need." Limiting your options to 2 door vehicles gives no consideration to putting junior into a child seat.

Major changes in life can be scary. As parenthood and the big 3-0 approaches you might feel burdened, tied down, perhaps seeing the end of a carefree life. A new car could be a way to assert your identity. On the other hand, your spouse might see this as a selfish purchase or possibly an expression of your independence from the family unit. With a baby on the way, what would be the responsible thing to do?